Sierra Leone has secured a major international tourism milestone after being confirmed as the permanent final destination for the globally recognised Budapest–Bamako Rally, a move expected to strengthen the country’s tourism industry and economic prospects.
The announcement was made by the Managing Director of the National Tourist Board (NTB), Fatmata Mida Carew, during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly press briefing in Freetown.
She described the decision by rally organisers as a sign of rising global trust in Sierra Leone’s ability to host major international events.
Carew disclosed that plans are underway for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between rally organisers and the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs.
The agreement is expected to secure Sierra Leone’s status as the official finishing point of the rally for the next decade.
She noted that the 2026 rally is already generating economic opportunities, with projections indicating that about 1,200 tourists will participate.
According to her, 794 participants have already arrived in the country, bringing along 352 vehicles and 200 motorbikes. An additional 492 participants, along with more than 203 vehicles, are expected to arrive in early March.
Carew emphasised that rally participants often spend extended periods in Sierra Leone, boosting demand for hotels, transport services, food businesses, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, also highlighted the broader national benefits of hosting the event.
He said the rally is improving Sierra Leone’s global image, increasing flight activity, and creating additional business opportunities, particularly as some participants sell their vehicles locally before departing the country.
Bah added that the permanent designation strengthens government efforts to position Sierra Leone as a leading adventure tourism destination and supports its long-term economic growth strategy.
